There are both pay and free options. Shutterstock is a good pay site. For free stock photography, start with Creative Commons or Wiki Commons, but pay attention to the licenses.
Check the minimum specs for whatever image editing software you plan to use, then shoot a little above that. I have done some of my work using my wife's netbook.
I realize you abandoned the idea, but for the future, you can use outline as opposed to border. Outline doesn't add to the size of an element, so it won't push things out of the way.
For this design, I was going for one thing: simple. Something just doesn't feel right with it, though and I can't put my finger on it. Anyway, have at it: www.emilyroeartist.com
Thanks!
It's a solid design. Simple, and everything that's important is right in front of you.
Just one question:
Why is the "Services" menu duplicated in the sidebar?
Seriously, though. Not a bad design, though that stock favicon may need to go :)